Forget-Me-Not Chapter 5

Disclaimer: Candy Candy and all characters belong to Keiko Nagita, character images to Yumiko Igarashi and anime to Toei Animation.

A month flew by and I’m back. Thanks for your patience! I hope this finds you safe and healthy. Are you getting used to the new normal by now? The positive feedback and encouragement so far are greatly appreciated. In case you wonder, I experienced something like writer’s block soon after I published my previous chapter. However, I took it easy and somehow that got “cured”. Although I must admit I still feel insecure about publishing it today, it’s Anthony’s birthday, so I don’t want to miss. 🙂 Anyway, without further ado, let me present the new chapter.

— Ms Puddle

Chapter 5

“So what do you think, Mr. Cartwright?”

The landowner lowers the document in his hand, looks up from his reading glasses and remarks, “I see that you’re well prepared this time, Mr. Ardlay. I’m impressed.”

“Thank you, Mr. Cartwright,” says Albert, a confident smile spreading across his face. “It’s a draft that is subject to change, depending on the outcome today.”

The old man nods once before he thoughtfully removes his reading glasses. Then he inquires, “Oh, I almost forgot. How’s your friend doing? I hope she’s all right, by now?”

The change of topic is rather unanticipated. The businessman did indicate the land purchase had something to do with a friend who had grown up at the Pony’s Home, but he does not recall telling Mr. Cartwright the name of his friend.

Why did Mr. Cartwright ask me about Candy? What did he know about us?

Ten days ago, while Albert was explaining his change of plan to Georges because of Kimberly, Albert overheard Mr. Cartwright’s question to Candy, and Albert froze and stopped talking in mid-sentence. Judging from the landowner’s tone, the old man was undoubtedly concerned about the girl. Albert then heard Candy’s reply, her voice carrying a thick nasal tone like she had been crying. To this day Albert has not been able to figure out what could have troubled her that afternoon, and the mere fact that he found zero hint in her first letter to him further piqued his curiosity. He suspected she had deliberately avoided it for unknown reasons.

Speaking of her letter, he was a little disappointed it was very short. She thanked him again for the bookmark and the seeds but apologized for not being able to write much. Her foster mothers had been pressing her to tell more about her relationship with her adoptive family whenever she wanted to borrow the office desk for writing letters. She promised she’d write to him again. Then she ended her letter with a comical drawing, which made him laugh. She drew herself standing between Miss Pony and Sister Lane, who were both nagging her; it looked like Candy was going to faint. Albert could easily envision how she felt, and yet he wondered why her foster mothers were suddenly interested in knowing more about Candy and the Ardlays. Was he the reason?

The landowner is puzzled by the deep thought and contemplation on the young man’s brow, so Mr. Cartwright elaborates, “Mr. Ardlay, I didn’t mean to interfere with your right to protect your friend’s privacy. I asked simply because you had to leave with her in the middle of our negotiation.”

Only then Albert perceives that he’s perplexing a question plain in itself. The landowner is asking about Kim, not Candy, so Albert immediately resumes his business-like demeanor and replies, “Thanks for your understanding, Mr. Cartwright. Yes, I prefer not to discuss her private matters. That being said, I’m going to pay her a visit later today, and I’ll pass your kind regards to her.”

“Sounds good,” says the old man. “Anyway, I shouldn’t have digressed. Are you going to present your reconstruction proposal to Miss Pony and Sister Lane?”

A flash of enthusiasm crosses his handsome face before Albert ventures, “Are you saying that you’re willing to sell the land, Mr. Cartwright?”

The old man studies the businessman’s striking appearance, his shiny blond hair and bright blue eyes, and figures the young man will never fail to attract the attention of any passing stranger, but aloud he says, “I’d say I’m inclined to accept your offer, but I have some questions for you.”

“Wonderful!” Albert exclaims. Inwardly, he braces himself for the crucial moment, but to show his confidence he leans back in his chair and speaks in perfect diction, “Please go ahead. I’m ready when you are, Mr. Cartwright.”

The landowner stares at him for a second before asking, “You said you’re doing all this for a friend who grew up at the orphanage?”

As the young man nods, the landowner follows up in a serious manner, “Look me in the eyes, Mr. Ardlay. If I find that you’re not being honest with me, I’ll never speak to you again.”

Albert straightens up, preparing himself for the interrogation. His expression is one of self-assurance. Then the old man inquires, his penetrating eyes probing the young man’s face, “It’s Candy, isn’t it?”

Although the businessman’s countenance changes almost imperceptibly, the old man catches his stunned look and demands without delay, “Now, tell me why. You have fifteen minutes left.”

Albert deems it unwise to conceal his relationship with Candy from the landowner, and yet he ponders how he might explain without the details. His mind is racing. Should I risk revealing more than I originally intended?

=o=o=o=

With help from some older kids, Candy has already done three loads of laundry this morning. They have been waiting for a dry day since it started raining two days ago. It was cloudy when they began with a pile of clean bed sheets in the basket, and now they see sunny breaks. When Candy is nearly done hanging them all on the clothesline, Sister Lane approaches her with a letter in her hand, “Candy, it’s time to take some rest.”

The kids are having morning recess for the time being, and Candy smilingly wipes her forehead with the back of her hand and uses her apron to dry her hands before taking the letter. “Thank you, Sister Lane!”

She was hoping it was Albert’s reply, but this letter was from Archie. Nonetheless, she eagerly tears the envelope and inside she finds an invitation to Stear’s Memorial service at Lakewood. Archie explained that he decided not to wait for the war to be over, and with approval from both the patriarch and the matriarch, the list of invited guests for the memorial service were finalized. Archie then wrote,

‘… Candy, sorry for such a short notice. We procrastinated until it was almost too late, but we really want you to join us. We have invited only close friends and relatives to the memorial service. The Lagans will not come, as they are preoccupied with their businesses in Florida.

Patty, Annie and I had several brainstorming sessions before we came up with a heartfelt speech in order to persuade Great Aunt Elroy to let you attend the service, but unbelievably, she glanced at the guest list and simply remarked, “Does Candice have a formal outfit for this?”

We told Great Aunt Elroy that you had donated all your formal attire, but Annie was going to let you wear her clothes and shoes. Then Great Aunt Elroy said to me as though this was nothing unusual, “Archie, you can buy whatever she needs.”

Can you imagine our reactions, Candy? We were literally nonplussed. Then Great Aunt Elroy explained to us that she and Granduncle William had had a discussion beforehand. No wonder! Anyway, Annie and I did some last minute shopping and bought the dress and shoes, so we will bring them with us when we come to pick you up.

Granduncle William says hello. He’s going to Lakewood with Georges one day ahead…’

Understandably, Candy is just as surprised that Great Aunt Elroy does not forbid her to join them. Candy can’t help wondering what Albert has said to his aunt. At least Candy does not have to fret about finding the appropriate clothes or matching shoes. Nonetheless, she reads the letter again in case she has misread anything. Since her friends are coming tomorrow morning to pick her up for the memorial service in the afternoon, Candy should inform Miss Pony and Sister Lane as soon as possible. Hence, she hurries back to the orphanage and finds them standing near the entrance, minding the kids.

Candy is unaware until now that Miss Pony and Sister Lane have also received a letter from Mr. Ardlay himself. To ensure Candy would receive the invitation, his assistant personally passed the letters to the ladies in charge of the orphanage earlier today.

“Was Albert with Georges?” Candy asks too fast, and she’s cross at herself the moment she hears her own words. What she has written in her letter to Albert is half-true. Her foster mothers have been asking her many questions about Albert, not her adoptive family. Candy has insisted that they are only friends, but neither Miss Pony nor Sister Lane is convinced. When they asked her whether he was single, Candy’s ambiguous reply “yes, probably” vexed them even more.

“No, Mr. Villers came alone,” answers Miss Pony, her eyebrows lifted quizzically. “Why? Are you expecting Mr. Ardlay today?”

The girl simpers, “No, not at all, Miss Pony.”

Archie said Albert and Georges would go to Lakewood one day before the memorial service, which means that they might be on their way now. Then Candy quickly informs her foster mothers that she will be leaving with her friends tomorrow morning. As Candy has predicted, both Miss Pony and Sister Lane are excited to hear that Annie will drop by to help Candy dress up for the occasion.

“Yes, Candy, Mr. Ardlay has asked us in writing for our permission to let you attend the service. He also apologized for any inconvenience caused by the arrival of new furniture. He had bought you a tiny desk and a chair, which would be delivered to the orphanage the day after tomorrow.”

“What?” Candy mutters, staring at the ladies in open-mouthed stupefaction, but at this instant Great Aunt Elroy’s frown of disapproval flashes across her mind, so Candy fakes a cough then composes herself to act more ladylike.

“So, for tomorrow I suppose I won’t be back home until late evening, is that all right, Sister Lane, Miss Pony?”

Sister Lane shakes her head with her brow furrowed slightly, saying, “Candy, winter is nearly upon us, so it’s time we meet with Mr. Cartwright concerning the renewal of our rental agreement. Miss Pony and I pray that he’s willing to freeze the rent for another two years, so we booked an appointment after lunch tomorrow when the kids are having their nap or quiet time.”

“Oh…” Candy murmurs. Then an idea dawns on her. “How about I go to his office now to postpone the meeting to another day?”

Before Miss Pony and Sister Lane can respond, they see the girl scurrying away with surprising speed. When Miss Pony heaves a sigh of resignation, Sister Lane remarks, “She really wants to go with her friends tomorrow, doesn’t she?”

“Apparently,” says Miss Pony, pushing her eyeglasses up her nose. “In fact, I have a feeling Candy can’t wait to see a certain someone again.”

Sister Lane nods and sighs in agreement. Then she utters, “I was going to say that either you or I can stay here so that Candy can take a day off. She deserves a break too.”

“True, but it’s better this way. If Candy can reschedule the appointment for us, we can meet with the landowner together.”

“I think so too,” Sister Lane replies with another long sigh. “Come to think of it, Candy must be deliberately hiding something from us. The more she refuses to talk about her relationship with her benefactor the more suspicious I get.”

“Same here,” Miss Pony agrees with apprehension. They both feel that there is something concealed behind her visage of cheerfulness.

(flashback begins)

The morning after Albert’s visit, Candy is not in the large bedroom with the other kids; her bed seems untouched. Miss Pony and Sister Lane have grown accustomed to having Candy around at this time, and normally she will guide the younger kids to follow the morning routine. Yet, instead of searching for her, Sister Lane stays to help the kids while Miss Pony prepares breakfast for everybody.

After breakfast, it’s story time. The older kids pair up with the younger ones such that the older kids will read to them. Thus, Miss Pony and Sister Lane retreat to the office for a short break. There they find Candy sleeping on Miss Pony’s desk, her head resting on her arms. When the ladies approach the desk, they spot half of a pencil portrait of a young man under her arms. Upon a closer look, they can identify the man in the picture; someone has skillfully sketched Albert with a tender smile.

When their minds are processing this new piece of evidence, Candy is roused from her sleep. Though feeling groggy, she greets them “Good morning”. While yawning and languidly stretching her sore arms, out of the corner of her eyes she spots the things on the desk, and she jumps and hastily places the portrait underneath the stack of papers. Then she speedily gathers everything on the desk and shoots up from the chair, saying, “Please excuse me, teachers. I’ve written a very long letter to a friend’s mother, and I want to mail it out today.”

Candy’s flushed look does not escape their eyes, and Sister Lane asks after the girl is gone, “It’s Albert, or am I mistaken?”

Miss Pony nods in response, saying, “He looked even younger wearing casual clothes, his hair slightly ruffled, but it’s Mr. Ardlay, no doubt.”

Meanwhile, in the Ardlay’s residence, Albert has finished the scrumptious breakfast alone, getting ready to go to work. His aunt sometimes joins him for breakfast after her morning walk, but not today. Before he heads to the garage, he figures he should double check his briefcase to make sure he has all the documents with him; he didn’t sleep well last night, mixing up Kim and Candy in his dreams, which bothers him tremendously.

It turns out one important document is indeed missing, so he rushes back to his study and finds it on his executive desk. When he comes out, he nearly runs into his aunt’s personal maid.

“I’m terribly sorry, Master William,” says Lucy. “Madam Elroy wants to have a few minutes with you.”

Albert shakes his head at once. “I have quite a few meetings today, and if I don’t go now, I’ll be late to the first one.”

Then she responds, “In that case, Madam Elroy said she could talk to you tonight after work, Master William.”

He readily agrees, “Sure. Do let my aunt know that I might come home late, as usual.”

“I will tell Madam Elroy right now. Thank you, Master William!”

Later that night, someone knocks at the door to his study while he’s going through the action items recorded in the meeting minutes. “Come in!” he says aloud without looking up, finishing his dinner.

Much to his astonishment, his aunt and her maid appear in front of him. Aunt Elroy rarely drops by his study, not wanting to disturb whatever he’s working on. Hence, he immediately stands up to greet her, “Good evening, Aunt Elroy! I did not forget my-“

She raises her hand to interrupt him. “I know, but I’m tired, so I won’t take long, William.”

Her frankness takes him by surprise, so he gently leads her to the sofa. Her maid takes this as her cue to leave the room.

“Are you all right, Aunt Elroy?” Albert asks straightaway, genuinely concerned. According to Dr. Leonard, the matriarch has not been feeling well lately.

She explains openly, “I couldn’t sleep last night until daybreak.”

Again, her honest answer somewhat disarms him. Recalling what his friend Jagdeep is suffering from, Albert asks with a frown marring his features, “Does this happen often?”

“No, thank God,” she replies gratefully, her manner much less stoic than normal. “Anyway, William, I know you’re busy, so I’ll get straight to the point.”

Then she mentions she heard from Archie today that he was organizing the memorial service for Stear. “I think it’s an excellent idea, William. Archie said he had your permission and would finalize the details and the guest list with me as soon as possible.”

Albert thanks her for the support. Knowing that Archie is not an early riser, Albert believes his aunt is beating around the bush. She must have something else in mind when she sent Lucy to me this morning…

But what Aunt Elroy says next catches him off guard, “I haven’t talked to Archie about this yet, but William, you will invite Candice, won’t you?”

The ease with which she said this is absolutely dumbfounding, as though she never had any troubles accepting Candy as a family member. Yet, he masks his bewilderment and says in a casual tone, “Of course.” Then, making sure his voice remains placid, he asks, “Why?”

While waiting for her to respond, he boldly meets her gaze, articulating his thoughts to form a coherent speech why he wants Candy to come. For the time being, his aunt quietly examines how his amiable countenance transitions into an unflinching one. Oblivious to him, the tender smile on his face slowly disappears; even his posture becomes defensive.

Then she speaks up, her tone of voice unexpectedly friendly, “William, I just want to say, Candice can attend, if she likes.”

The tension between them dissolves in no time, but he can only stare at her, his uptight expression now replaced with disbelief, which he’s unable to disguise.

Since the look of utter incredulity on his face is conspicuous, she asks, her lips quirking in a twisted smile, “Did I not make myself clear?”

Her question forces him to let down his guard. Although something does not seem right, he reckons he’d better play along before his aunt has second thoughts, so he replies with a grin, “Yes, you did. Candy will be delighted for sure.”

“Good,” comes her brief reply, and she seems pleased. Her strange behaviour tonight does not cease to baffle him, and then he hears her say, “I will talk to Archie if Candice is not in the guest list, which is highly unlikely.”

Before he says anything in response, she bids him good night and with help from her nephew, she pulls herself up from the sofa. Her maid is waiting for her outside the study room, and watching the women walking down the hallway, Albert is still reeling from what just took place. This is bizarre… So what did Aunt Elroy want to talk about this morning?

Then Albert surmises his aunt may be playing mind games, but the prospect of being involved does not upset him much. Unless Candy is unavailable, he’ll definitely invite her to attend the memorial service, and he’s prepared to exert his authority if challenged. Hence, this saves him from having to confront his aunt.

The truth is, Albert believes he has nothing to hide about Candy, and it’s no big deal even if Aunt Elroy later finds out he visited Candy at the Pony’s Home the day before. Nonetheless, he has lost the momentum to continue working at the moment, so he closes the door to his study and heads to his bedroom. His aunt is not the only one who did not have quality rest last night.

It’s getting late at the orphanage, and the kids should be sound asleep now. Candy has been acting normal since she came back after sending her letter in the morning. While she’s doing the last round of cleaning up in the kitchen, Miss Pony ambles over to her, saying, “Candy, were you looking for something in your suitcases last night? Are you done with them?”

Miss Pony asks because Candy’s two suitcases are lying on the floor, unlocked, and to respect her privacy, Miss Pony has not touched them at all. Ever since the girl returned to the orphanage from Chicago, her suitcases have been kept at a shady nook in the office.

Sister Lane is entering the kitchen now. “No, not done yet,” the girl replies, smothering a yawn. Then Candy thanks Miss Pony for reminding her before she asks, “May I borrow the office tonight?”

Miss Pony is reluctant, and Sister Lane chimes in with a frown of displeasure, “Candy, are you planning to sleep in the office again?”

“No, I promise I won’t,” the girl pleads, her hands clasped together in earnest. Then she adds, yawning exaggeratingly this time, “I’m tired too.”

Sister Lane takes this opportunity and says, “You can use the office tonight on one condition, Candy. Please tell us what made you quit your nursing job at the hospital in Chicago.”

Candy’s jaw drops for almost half a minute. Needless to say, the principal of Mary Jane nursing school has chosen not to inform her old friend Miss Pony. Candy feels guilty that she’s been avoiding this topic, and perhaps it’s time to tell the truth, “I didn’t quit. I was fired…”

Candy falters as soon as her loving foster mothers gasp nearly simultaneously, and she could see signs of perturbation on their faces. Then Candy vehemently denies, “But believe me! I have not done anything wrong!”

Neither Miss Pony nor Sister Lane is able to react, so Candy utters in a haste, “Please excuse me now, teachers. I’ll fill in the details when I have more time.”

The girl then dashes out of the kitchen without looking back. A part of her regrets spilling the beans; the last thing she wants is to worry her foster mothers unnecessarily. However, another part of her is glad that she has let it out, fully aware that she can’t keep this to herself forever. Eventually she has to come clean; it’s a daunting task, not to mention it’s a complicated story with twists and turns, from how she first met Albert and under what circumstances to how he crossed her paths again and again.

Candy cautiously tiptoes into the large bedroom, swiftly picks up the portrait that she hid under her pillow this morning and runs to Miss Pony’s office. Last night, when she was writing to Miss Eleanor Baker, she explained what had propelled her to go to that small town and ended up stumbling upon Terry in that roadside theatre. After Candy finished writing the letter, instead of going straight to bed, she felt like digging up the drawings kept in one of her suitcases, which she used for storing the items with sentimental value.

It didn’t take her long to find Dr. Martin’s drawing and her childish attempt, but she continued indulging herself in memories, going through such items as the badge of her Prince on the Hill, Miss Pony’s crucifix necklace, the picture of Anthony, the letters from Terry and his news clippings, and other keepsakes of her time living with Albert in the House of Magnolia.

Candy kept the letters from Terry and his news clippings in a huge envelope, some of those had been collected from the Romeo & Juliet’s promotion materials, brought home by Albert for her. Back then, Candy could not be more thrilled to see Terry posed as Romeo, looking very charming and gallant.

But after the trip to New York, Candy had put away everything related to Terry and had not touched any of those since. Meanwhile, like what she had written to Miss Baker, Candy was torn between her resolve to leave these in the past and her wish to look over the contents enclosed in the envelope. Each choice appealed to her, but several seconds later Candy opted to put the envelope back in the suitcase.

When she got to the matching pajamas, she giggled, remembering how Albert had blushed upon discovering that she had bought two pajama sets of the same pattern. Since then, she had lost count of how many times they had gone to bed looking like twins. Because of these mental pictures, Candy had retrieved these pajamas from the bottom of the donation bin just minutes before Annie and Patty had arrived to help her pack.

Albert had been discreet. Despite living together, Candy had never seen him in his underclothes, and he had not done anything that made her feel ill at ease or on edge. In short, they had lived in perfect harmony. That was why she thanked God for bringing him back to her life today. He bore her no grudge for her past offenses and wanted to keep in touch with her. What more could she want?

As a matter of fact, after what had taken place this evening, she could make peace with herself at last and put an end to the torment of cutting ties with him. It was not ideal as she still had to deal with her undeniable feelings for him, but she would give herself more time and not force herself to forget him anymore. This actually put a stop to her constant struggles, and the sense of relief she felt was overwhelming. From now on, she strived to keep an open mind and learn to appreciate him as a friend called William A. Ardlay, who happened to be a millionaire.

Presently, the name “Kimberly” appeared in Candy’s mind, and her heart constricted for a second when she relived her brief “encounter” with Kimberly in her head. Even though Candy had only caught a glance of her profile, Candy could see she had gorgeous eyes and red lips. Why had Albert said they looked somewhat alike? Perhaps he had referred to their hair colour or hairstyle. Otherwise, Candy believed the American nurse was more feminine, if not prettier.

The next thing Candy knew, jealousy rose inside her again, and she reprimanded herself once more. She ought to stop comparing herself to Kimberly. Albert was a special friend as well as her benefactor but nothing more. Besides, Candy should be happy for him that he could reunite with his old friend from Kenya, who seemed desperate to find him. No matter what their relationship was, it was none of Candy’s business.

Unfortunately, it was easier said than done. For the time being, Candy was not in the mood to write to Albert, and yet she did not want to go to bed either. Therefore, she found the nurse’s letter from her pocket to read. Kimberly wrote that on several occasions Albert had mentioned Candy’s name and her origin. Only then Candy read that he had called her Candice White, not Candice White Ardlay. Moreover, how many times had he talked to Kimberly about an orphan girl so far away? But why?

Regardless, Candy reckoned it was too risky to ask Albert any questions about Kimberly, lest he might see through her feelings. Candy then put all her keepsakes back in the suitcases except for Dr. Martin’s drawing, and she rose with a yawn, bringing the portrait back to the desk. Maybe that would inspire her to start writing to Albert, but as she sat down and placed the sketch in front of her, her mind wandered off to the doctor in Chicago. How is he doing? Has he hired another nurse to help? Is he still an alcoholic?

Think about it, the doctor had never given Candy a hard time as her boss, even when she had been particularly absentminded after Albert had gone missing. Later, Dr. Martin had allowed her to take a short holiday to travel to a town that neither of them had heard of and had not asked Candy anything else once she had related to him why she had to go.

Dr. Martin’s drawing was so vivid that Candy could use his sketch instead of her childish one to find Albert in that town. With hindsight, she was convinced Albert had intentionally played Cupid and led her there. Did Albert know I was looking for him? Or did he expect I would reunite with Terry? Was Albert disappointed or what?

Perhaps Albert had meant to kill two birds with one stone, helping both Candy and Terry, but as she had indicated in her letter to Miss Eleanor Baker, Candy had promised Susanna not to see Terry again. Nevertheless, the trip to Rockstown had given Candy a chance to reflect on why she had broken up with Terry, which had essentially been a mutual decision. In addition, seeing that Terry could suddenly sober up on stage had been encouraging, a sign that he had successfully emerged from being a prisoner to his past. Consequently, this had also helped Candy move on to the next chapter of her life with a sense of closure.

With that, Candy breathed a tired sigh. She had left London in hopes that she could reunite with Terry one day, but who would have thought that by the time they could get together at long last, Terry had been grappling with a terrible dilemma?

He was a victim as much as Susanna was…

At this very moment, the realization that Albert might have read her diary struck Candy like a brick. When had he read it? After his recovery? Or after he had disappeared from her life before her trip to Lakewood? Regardless, the mere visualization of Albert’s various possible reactions when reading her diary made Candy feel mortified beyond description. She had written everything down in openness and transparency, especially how she had gradually fallen for Terry. Albert was aware of that already, but reading all the minute details was another matter.

As much as Candy felt like throwing a tantrum, there was no one to blame for this situation but herself. She then crossed her arms on the desk and cradled her head on top of them, groaning aloud in frustration. Staring at the fire flickering in the oil lamp, she acknowledged it was too late. Albert had already read her diary as per her request, and yet he was the polar opposite of the feeble grandfather figure she had assumed since the adoption. Before long, sleep claimed her, and she dozed off.

Now that Candy is back inside the office, she gingerly puts Dr Martin’s sketch together with her drawing in the same suitcase before she snaps both of her suitcases shut. Then she places them back to the nook. She’s not going to write to Albert tonight, because she hasn’t yet got past the embarrassment that he has read her diary.

Since that night, whenever Candy is free, either Miss Pony or Sister Lane will talk to her in an attempt to gauge what might have transpired when Candy was in Chicago. Although Candy observes the expectation in their eyes, she’s afraid that her foster mothers, being devoted Catholics, might collapse or have a heart attack if she gets this off her chest. Thus, she’d rather play it safe by feigning ignorance, that she doesn’t seem to understand what exactly they want to hear.

Then the teachers change their tactics by asking Candy about her relationship with Albert instead. Unbeknownst to Candy, Miss Pony has pondered writing a letter to Mary Jane, the principal of the nursing school, but after talking to Sister Lane, the two prefer to wait for Candy to open up. There must be a reason why the girl is noticeably hesitant to confide in them.

(flashback ends)

=o=o=o=

Jagdeep opens the door of the mountain lodge and thanks the middle-aged woman, “You really don’t have to come every day. I have lots of leftovers, and I can cook, so would you like to leave the bags of food with me?”

The helper met Kimberly once on the night they arrived, and she does not know the lady guest has left. In Kimberly’s letter to Jagdeep, she asked him not to tell anyone, especially Albert. She also said she would return.

The helper declines politely, “I need this temporary job. I was hired specifically to take care of the guests. Perhaps I can skip the cooking today and see what I can do with the leftovers.”

So Jagdeep lets her in, and when she’s checking the pantry, he says to her, “As you can see, we don’t have a good appetite. Anyway, I’m going to stroll along the river.”

“Sure, enjoy yourself, sir.”

Jagdeep leaves in case the helper asks him about Kimberly. He misses her dreadfully and also worries about her, wondering where she could have gone. As he walks along the river trail at a relaxed pace, he talks to her in his mind, Yes, Kimberly, I’m finally able to get up to four hours of sleep every night, thanks to Albert. As he’s predicted, the fresh air and daily walk in nature does rejuvenate me.

Indeed, Jagdeep has renewed hope for better times ahead. He might be recovering, in spite of his precarious emotional state. At this moment, the content of Kimberly’s letter, which he has already memorized, resurfaces in his mind,

Dear Jag,

First and foremost, I must thank you for pushing me to find Al… I have a feeling that you want to see him because of me, am I right? Anyway, please don’t tell anyone I’ve left, especially him, because I will come back.

Although you’ve never expressed your feelings, I sense that you have not stopped loving me, even when I was madly in love with Al. I value your devoted friendship and appreciate your unflagging support all these years. You’re always there for me, so please understand that I really want to do something before seeing you both again.

Do promise me to take care of yourself as best you can, Jag. Al said he would try to visit us within two weeks, so yes, I’ll return hopefully before then.

Kimberly

Jagdeep lets out a heavy sigh of resignation. Kimberly is right. Ever since they first met in Kenya, he’s always loved her in silence. Before Albert’s appearance, she was his sunshine, and he was content just to be by her side, understanding that she never wanted to commit to any relationship. However, soon after they welcomed the handsome fellow from America to join their team, Jagdeep perceived Kimberly was attracted to the newcomer, probably before she was aware of that herself. Not long after Jagdeep noticed that those two were calling each other using the short forms of their names, Kimberly confessed to Jagdeep that she could not help falling in love. Jagdeep was unadulteratedly elated for her, more than willing to admire her from afar.

Nobody else called her “Kim” except Albert, before or after their breakup, and yes, Kimberly was the primary reason why Jagdeep was desperate to talk to Albert. Jagdeep does hope that she will be back before Albert’s visit. In any case, her letter to Albert is safely kept in the lodge. If for any reason she can’t keep her promise, at least Jagdeep can pass the letter to Albert, which possibly explains her absence.

=o=o=o=

“Candy was ready to put up a fight for me if necessary. Therefore, even as a poor man with empty pockets, I resolved to do everything in my power to repay her kindness to me. At the very least, she could count on me to help her in times of need,” Albert is wrapping up his narrative now, his eyes glistening. He’s consciously omitted the fact that he and Candy have lived together for over two years.

“After my recovery, I became aware I had many more options. Candy had no idea who I really was, so she never expected anything in return…” Albert takes a brief pause to clear his throat. Then he goes on, “It’s true money can’t buy happiness, but knowing how much Candy loves her foster mothers and the Pony’s Home, I can’t think of anything else that would bring her more joy than upgrading the orphanage. In addition, this project is my way to thank the ladies who have raised Candy to be such a kind soul, and I hope they will have peace of mind, for the years to come, to continue taking care of the less fortunate kids.”

Albert then checks his wristwatch, and he realizes he’s been talking for more than fifteen minutes non-stop. “Oh, I’m sorry. I see that my time is up, Mr. Cartwright.”

The landowner wipes the corner of his eye with his fingertips before he replies, “No worries, Mr. Ardlay. I don’t have plans after this.”

“Thank you, so do you have any more questions for me?”

“Not right now,” the landowner says. He recalls Candy’s teary eyes that day, and he believes the young man has not given the full picture yet, but the landowner has no intention of prying a confession out of the young man. Mr. Ardlay’s account is convincing enough and his business proposal is promising, so Mr. Cartwright decides, “My secretary will prepare the documents for you to sign.”

The businessman almost can’t believe his ears. His face brightens up. “Is that a ‘yes’?”

Mr. Cartwright chuckles, nodding. As the young man stands up from his seat to stretch his hand out, so does the landowner, joyously shaking hands with the businessman.

“When do you think you can drop by again?”

“I’ll stay in Michigan for at least a couple more days. Let me check my schedule with Georges first.”

“Sounds great! See you soon then.”

As Albert heads to the door, Mr. Cartwright trails after him and asks, “Are you serious that you don’t want Candy to know who the new landowner is?”

“Yes, if possible, I’ll stay anonymous.”

Noting the determination in his blue eyes, Mr. Cartwright has a newfound respect for the young man. “Fine. I’ll try to figure out the best way to keep my mouth shut.”

Then the landowner guffaws, and Albert thanks him for the cooperation. As they walk out of the office together, they notice that Mr. Ardlay’s executive assistant is already waiting in the reception area.

After greeting one another, the men are about to take leave, but Mr. Cartwright suggests, “Would you like to see where Candy and the kids spent an unforgettable Christmas with us years ago?”

Upon hearing that, Georges shrouds his surprise with an emphatic nod. His boss must have disclosed her name for a reason. After the brief tour, Georges remarks, “I was driving in this area that winter night and thought I heard angels sing.”

“Were you?” Mr. Cartwright asks, grinning. After that, the landowner tells Georges the news. Georges immediately congratulates his boss for the successful outcome, which brings a lump to the youngest man’s throat. He is merely one step away from fulfilling his intent to leave a positive impact in Candy’s beloved community, so Albert acknowledges from the bottom of his heart, choking back his tears, “Yes, this will be a significant milestone in my life.”

“So glad to be of help, Mr. Ardlay,” says Mr. Cartwright in a keen manner. Albert then grabs the landowner’s right hand, squeezing that with both his hands, before he says, “Thanks again, Mr. Cartwright. I don’t know what…”

Albert stops abruptly to take some deep breaths. He scarcely ever loses control of his composure like this, but for some reason this business deal has evoked powerful emotions in him. When Mr. Cartwright lands a heavy hand on his shoulder, the young man sees that the landowner’s eyes mist over as well. By then, Mr. Cartwright has completely dropped his skepticism.

Moments later, the landowner offers to walk the men to the front gate, and from a distance, it looks like a lady is coming towards them. The instant she recognizes them, she stands rooted at her spot, her eyes doubled in size like a deer caught in the headlights.

(to be continued…)

=o=o=o=

Writer’s note:

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you like it. Here I’d like to quote Lynn’s brilliant comment about Terry and Susanna. Actions speak louder than words, don’t you think? There’s no doubt Terry had a soft spot for Susanna, even before the tragic accident. Yes, he had struggles after her surgery, but it speaks volumes when he gave up Candy without a fight.

If you notice, I’ve updated my original drawing of Terry (you can see it in my first chapter) after collecting various feedback from you. I’ve drawn his hair longer and changed his eye colour to greenish blue. I also tried to make the picture look like a coloured printing from 1915, so are you convinced? 😉 Anyway, I’m still not satisfied with the current drawing, for unknown reason. 🙁 Nevertheless, I’d rather try drawing another character, and I’m pondering my options. I heard you, so Kimberly is one of them. Thank you for your interests! 🥰

Parts of this chapter is inspired by the manga version rather than Candy Candy Final Story (CCFS), and based on the location of the Pony’s Home, it is one hour ahead of Chicago. About Candy’s keepsakes, I did not include Terry’s white tie because it was not mentioned in Section 3 in CCFS, so I wonder if Candy returned that to Terry when she went to New York? Or am I mistaken?

Please continue to stay safe and take care, my friends! 😷 Let me know if you find any mistakes or typos in this post. Your help is much appreciated. 😘